DTCM to celebrate National Day at Burj Khalifa

Dubai, November 30, 2010

Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has chosen the Top observation deck of Burj Khalifa for its activities to mark the UAE’s 39th National Day on December 2.

The DTCM’s commemorative activities will be held from December 1 to 2. This year’s events include a presentation about UAE’s culture and Arab hospitality depicted through mockup traditional houses, and also traditional furniture, clothes and jewellery, said a DTCM statement.

There will also be a dedicated calligraphy corner, it added.

“For the third year in a row DTCM is organising events to mark the country’s National Day, in line with the directives of Dubai Government that all government departments should coordinate to organise National Day celebrations," said Nasser Juma, head of Organising Committee for National Day Events and Activities.

DTCM in particular has been focused on preparing an innovative and exciting events program each year for UAE nationals, residents and visitors, he stated.

“From the moment we started preparing the agenda for this year’s National Day festivities, we had plans of having events on top of Burj Khalifa," Juma remarked.

"Accordingly we contacted the management of the tower and they readily welcomed the idea and agreed to extend their total support to DTCM to make this event a reality and offer something new and exciting to the public," he added.

Juma also pointed out that the commemorative program covers a wide variety of activities that will also involve active participation from the public.

The list also includes a number of activities in Jumeirah Beach Residence (The Walk), where DTCM will be holding National Day celebrations for the second year running.

Last year's celebration featured a miniature traditional village in which details of UAE’s history and past lifestyle were depicted. Various competitions and activities were also held on the sidelines which were appreciated by the public, the official said.

“This year we decided to repeat The Walk experience but in a different way. We will have the mockup traditional houses displayed along The Walk, in addition to Yola dances and national dance performances."

"Also, visitors can enjoy henna painting and calligraphy, while there will also be a 'Ask about my Cultural Heritage' event where visitors can find out more about the country’s culture and traditions, both in Arabic and English,” Juma explained.

DTCM’s Aisha Mohammed Bin Tayeb said as part of the celebrations the department is supporting families under the Dubai Women's Association National day program, held recently in cooperation with Hoor Center for Girls.

“We co-ordinated with the management of Burj Khalifa to ensure that all our events turn out as planned. All the activities being held at Burj Khalifa will complement the public perception of the tower and will befit its status as the world’s tallest building, which also offers panoramic views of Dubai,” added Bin Tayeb.

Sabiha Majid Al Youha, committee member said at Burj Khalifa the public will get to enjoy the fastest elevators in the world, use special telescopes, get a bird’s eye view of Sheikh Zayed road from the observation deck, take great photos and buy souvenirs for friends and family.

Ticket prices for entry to the observation deck at Burj Khalifa are Dh100 ($27.2) for adults, Dh75 for children aged 4 to12 years, while infants and children below four get free entry, the DTCM statement said.

Official opening hours of the tower are 10 am – 10 pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 10 am to 12 am Thursday to Saturday. There is ample parking available for visitors, and there are adequate facilities for people with special needs, it added -TradeArabia News Service